Discovery and Full Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in Stool Specimen from a Recovered Patient, China

Pol J Microbiol. 2021 Sep;70(3):401-404. doi: 10.33073/pjm-2021-029. Epub 2021 Sep 17.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 was found in a recovered patient's stool specimen by combining quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and genome sequencing. The patient was virus positive in stool specimens for at least an additional 15 days after he was recovered, whereas respiratory tract specimens were negative. The discovery of the complete genome of SARS-CoV-2 in the stool sample of the recovered patient demonstrates a cautionary warning that the potential mode of the virus transmission cannot be excluded through the fecal-oral route after viral clearance in the respiratory tract.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; genome sequencing; recovered patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • COVID-19 / diagnostic imaging
  • COVID-19 / transmission
  • COVID-19 / virology*
  • China
  • Convalescence*
  • Cough / virology
  • Feces / virology*
  • Fever / virology
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Whole Genome Sequencing*